Microsoft Windows Server 2003 provides significant improvements in performance, productivity, and security over previous versions. This official first-look guide shows you exactly what’s new and improved in this powerful network operating system—including advanced technologies for Web services and components, security, networking, Active Directory directory service, Microsoft Internet Information Services, support for IPv6, and more. It gives you all the information and tools you need to understand, evaluate, and begin deployment planning for Windows Server 2003, whether you’re upgrading from Microsoft Windows NT Server or Windows 2000 Server.

Topics covered include:

Introducing the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family, including features, benefits, and requirements.

How to get started:

• Deploying Windows Server 2003
• Upgrading from Windows NT 4.0 Server
• Upgrading from Windows 2000 Server
• Testing for application compatibility

Details about new and improved features:

• Microsoft Active Directory service
• Management services and the Group Policy Management Console
• Security-enhancing services
• Networking and communications
• Terminal services
• Microsoft Internet Information Services
• Application and XML Web services
• Windows Media services
• File services and storage management
• Print services
• Clustering services
• Multilingual support